Architectural design concept and guidelines for floating structures for tackling sea level rise impacts on Abu-Qir

Abstract

Previous studies indicate that floating structures developed through the last decades concluding that it’s the most sustainable solution against sea level rise (SLR), preferring it to land reclamation approaches regarding sustainability, lifespan, and cost-effectiveness, that Egyptian researches seem to disregard. This paper guides architects and urban planners when designing floating structures by introducing new approach of floating community model and architectural design guidelines for floating structures for tackling SLR impacts on Abu-Qir. To illustrate such approach, this paper initially conducts analysis on Abu-Qir and coastal management solutions practiced as their properties provide the required knowledge for selecting the best mitigation solution for such area. Second, it conducts exploratory analysis to investigate floating structures as a more sustainable and long-term solution. Third, applying conclusions from previous sections of site analysis, mitigation solutions, and floating structures to define a floating community concept model for Abu-Qir. Findings support key arguments that traditional mitigation methods aren’t sustainable or long-term solutions. Analysis demonstrate Abu-Qir Bay as the most vulnerable area to SLR. Although floating structures have demonstrated not to be the optimum solution in every case regarding cost-effectiveness and/or site suitability, however upon site analysis, it presents itself as the ideal solution for Abu-Qir bay. Keywords: Sea level rise, Land subsidence, Adaptation approaches, Architectural design of floating structures, Sustainability, Egypt